Advantech RSB-3730 User Manual page 52

Software development and modification
Compared to x86 architectures, RISC architectures use simpler instruction sets.
Therefore, the software support for x86 platforms cannot be used on RISC platforms.
System Integrators need to develop software for their systems and do the hardware
and software integration themselves. Unlike x86 platforms, RISC platforms have less
support for Board Support Packages (BSP) and drivers as well. Even though driver
support is provided, SIs still have to make a lot of effort to integrate them into the sys-
tem core. Moreover, the BSPs provided by CPU manufacturers are usually for carrier
board design, so it's difficult for SIs to have an environment for software develop-
ment.
In view of this, Advantech proposed the concept of Streamlined Design-in Support
Services for RISC-based Computer-on-Modules (COM). With a dedicated profes-
sional design-in services team, Advantech actively participates in carrier board
design and problem solving. Our services not only enable customers to effectively
distribute their resources but also reduce R&D manpower cost and hardware invest-
ment.
By virtue of a close interactive relationship with leading original manufacturers of
CPUs and chipsets, such as ARM, TI, and Freescale, Advantech helps solve com-
munication and technical support difficulties, and that can reduce the uncertainties of
product development, too. Advantech's professional software team also focuses on
providing a complete Board Support Package and assists customers to build up a
software development environment for their RISC platforms.
Advantech RISC design-in services help customers overcome their problems to
achieve the most important goal of faster time-to-market through streamlined RISC
design-in service.
Along with our multi-stage development process which includes planning, design,
integration, and validation, Advantech's RISC design-in service provides comprehen-
sive support to the different phases described in the following sections.
Planning stage
Before deciding to adopt Advantech RISC COM, customers must go through a com-
plete survey process, including product features, specifications, and compatibility
testing with software. Advantech offers a RISC Customer Solution Board (CSB) as
an evaluation tool for carrier boards which are simultaneously designed when devel-
oping RISC COMs. In the planning stage, customers can use this evaluation board to
assess RISC modules and test peripheral hardware. What's more, Advantech pro-
vides a standard software Board Support Package (BSP) for RISC COM, so that cus-
tomers can define their product's specifications as well as verify I/O and performance
at the same time. We not only offer hardware planning and technology consulting but
also software evaluation and peripheral module recommendations (such as Wi-Fi,
3G, BT). Resolving customer concerns is Advantech's main target at this stage.
Since we all know that product evaluation is the key task during the planning period,
especially for performance and specifications, we try to help our customers conduct
all the necessary tests for their RISC COM.
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